Top Hair Highlights Trends: Techniques, Tips, and Maintenance for 2024
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Top Hair Highlights Trends: Techniques, Tips, and Maintenance for 2024
Highlights have evolved from chunky, bold streaks to sophisticated, blended hues that can transform any hairstyle. As we move into 2024, hair highlights continue to be a go-to choice for anyone wanting to freshen their look. This guide covers the most popular highlighting techniques, trending colors, essential aftercare, and practical tips for achieving salon-worthy results. Whether you’re a highlights newbie or a seasoned color enthusiast, you’ll find everything you need to know right here.
What Are Hair Highlights?
Hair highlights involve coloring sections of hair lighter than your natural or base color. The process creates depth, contrast, and a sun-kissed effect. Highlights can be subtle or bold, depending on the technique and color chosen. Modern highlights use advanced methods to blend colors seamlessly, giving a natural and multi-dimensional look.
Popular Highlighting Techniques in 2024
Several highlighting techniques are trending this year, each offering a unique finish. Here’s a look at the most in-demand methods:
1. Balayage
Balayage remains a top choice for those seeking effortless, natural-looking highlights. The stylist hand-paints color onto the hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. This technique provides a soft, sun-kissed effect with low maintenance due to the gradual color transition.
2. Foil Highlights
Foil highlights involve sectioning hair and wrapping colored strands in foil, allowing for precise placement and a more dramatic contrast. This method is ideal for those who want more noticeable highlights or lighter blonde tones.
3. Babylights
Babylights are ultra-fine highlights that mimic the delicate, natural highlights found in children’s hair. This technique works well for adding subtle dimension and is perfect for those who prefer a soft, understated look.
4. Chunky Highlights
Making a comeback in 2024, chunky highlights offer bold, statement-making streaks. While reminiscent of early 2000s styles, today’s chunky highlights are more refined, often paired with modern color palettes and soft blending at the roots.
5. Money Piece
The money piece highlights frame the face with brighter, lighter sections, instantly brightening your features. This trend is especially popular for those wanting a quick, high-impact transformation.
Trending Highlight Colors for 2024
Color choice is crucial for achieving the perfect highlight. Here are some of the top highlight colors dominating salons this year:
- Caramel Balayage: Warm caramel tones add depth to brunettes and complement most skin tones.
- Platinum Blonde: Icy platinum highlights continue to be a bold choice for those seeking maximum brightness.
- Rose Gold: Soft pink and gold hues create a romantic, modern effect, especially on lighter hair.
- Honey Blonde: A classic, universally flattering option that brings warmth and luminosity.
- Ash Brown: Cool-toned highlights that reduce brassiness and offer a sophisticated finish.
- Copper and Auburn: Vibrant reds and coppers are trending for those who want to make a statement.
How to Choose the Right Highlight Technique and Color
Selecting the best highlight technique and color depends on several factors:
- Skin Tone: Cool undertones pair well with ashy or platinum shades, while warm undertones suit caramel and honey hues.
- Natural Hair Color: Subtle techniques like babylights are ideal for first-timers, while balayage suits most natural shades.
- Lifestyle: If you prefer low-maintenance hair, opt for balayage or babylights, which grow out gracefully.
- Desired Effect: For a dramatic change, consider foil highlights or chunky placements. For a natural look, try balayage or face-framing money pieces.
Highlight Maintenance: Aftercare and Longevity
Proper aftercare is essential to keep highlighted hair healthy and vibrant. Here’s how to maintain your highlights:
- Use Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner: Sulfate-free formulas prevent color fading and dryness.
- Limit Heat Styling: Excessive heat can dull the color and damage hair. Always use a heat protectant.
- Deep Condition Weekly: Use a hydrating mask to restore moisture and shine.
- Protect from UV Rays: Sun exposure can bleach and fade highlights. Wear hats or use UV-protectant sprays.
- Regular Touch-Ups: Depending on your technique, schedule salon visits every 8–12 weeks to keep your highlights fresh.
Cost Comparison: Highlight Techniques
The price of highlights varies based on technique, hair length, and salon location. The table below provides an overview of average costs in the US for 2024:
| Highlight Technique | Average Cost (Short Hair) | Average Cost (Long Hair) | Maintenance Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balayage | $120–$180 | $180–$300 | Every 10–12 weeks |
| Foil Highlights | $100–$160 | $160–$250 | Every 8–10 weeks |
| Babylights | $140–$200 | $200–$350 | Every 12–14 weeks |
| Chunky Highlights | $90–$150 | $150–$220 | Every 8–10 weeks |
| Money Piece | $60–$120 | $120–$180 | Every 8–12 weeks |
DIY vs. Salon Highlights: Pros and Cons
With at-home kits widely available, many consider DIY highlights. Here’s what to weigh before making your choice:
DIY Highlights
- Pros: Cost-effective, convenient, and customizable.
- Cons: Risk of uneven color, potential damage, and challenging for complex techniques like balayage or babylights.
Salon Highlights
- Pros: Professional results, personalized color matching, and safer for hair health.
- Cons: Higher cost and time commitment.
If you’re new to highlights or want a major transformation, professional salon services are recommended.
FAQs About Hair Highlights
How long do highlights last?
Highlights typically last 8–12 weeks, depending on the technique, hair growth, and aftercare routine. Balayage and babylights tend to grow out more naturally and require less frequent touch-ups.
Can I highlight my hair if it’s already colored?
Yes, but it’s best to consult a professional to avoid overlapping color treatments that can cause damage or uneven results. A stylist can assess your hair’s condition and recommend the safest approach.
Are highlights damaging to hair?
All chemical treatments carry some risk of damage, particularly if hair is already fragile. Using high-quality products, following aftercare guidelines, and spacing out treatments can help minimize damage.
What’s the difference between highlights and lowlights?
Highlights lighten sections of hair, while lowlights involve coloring strands darker than your base shade. Combining both can add depth and dimension for a more natural look.
How do I prevent highlights from turning brassy?
Use a purple or blue shampoo to neutralize yellow or orange tones. Avoid excessive sun exposure and chlorine, which can accelerate brassiness. Regular salon gloss treatments can also help maintain your desired tone.
Summary
Hair highlights remain a versatile and stylish way to refresh your look in 2024. With techniques ranging from subtle babylights to bold chunky highlights and a spectrum of trending colors, there’s a highlight style for everyone. Choosing the right method and caring for your hair post-color are key to long-lasting, vibrant results. Whether you opt for a DIY kit or a professional salon service, highlights can add dimension, brightness, and confidence to your everyday style.
